Spain and Morocco share environmental, historical, and cultural links at all levels back through time. These range from their shared geology and climate in the western Mediterranean to the kingdoms of Al-Andalus and the Sephardic Jewish community and more modern times with the establishment of the Spanish Protectorate over northern Morocco and the presence of Spanish cities, Ceuta and Melilla, along the southern shores of the Mediterranean on the African continent. Nearly a half million Moroccans have migrated to Spain in the last generation and Spanish investment in Morocco is strong and widespread.  Deep artistic and architectural influences are shared between the two countries. 

Morocco offers much to the talented researcher, teacher, or scholar. With its three major languages—Arabic, Berber (Amazigh), and French—Morocco’s past is reflected in every aspect of its present. American grantees in Morocco have lived in environments ranging from big-city Casablanca to nomadic encampments in the Sahara. The Moroccan university year begins in late September and runs through late June to early July. University breaks depend on Islamic holidays, fall in the latter half of January following fall semester exams, and there is a spring break in mid-March. More information on Moroccan institutions of higher education may be found at the 2018 University Web Ranking website for Morocco. The Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE) in Rabat, the Fulbright Commission for Morocco, can help  you make contact with Moroccan universities, professors, professionals, and NGOs. All  Fulbright programs for Morocco are available at the MACECE website.

Spain is one of the most multi-ethnic nations in Europe, both today and in its past. University students increasingly come from a wide variety of other countries, providing unique and enriching viewpoints for U.S. scholars. Opportunities to work with faculty on curriculum development often occur for both researchers and visiting scholars. Scholars will find that university research groups are often multicultural and that English is their working language. The U.S.-Spain Fulbright Commission sponsors U.S. senior lecturers and researchers at host institutions that benefit from their experience, different perspectives, training, and educational culture, and have in mind the goal of establishing long-lasting partnerships. The academic year in Spain runs from September to June, with breaks for winter and spring holidays. Research activity continues during July, whereas August is a very quiet month. You can find some general facts about Spain at this link.

Research/teaching proposals will be evaluated not only for their excellence but also for their potential to increase mutual understanding and future collaboration between Spain, Morocco, and the United States. Spain and Morocco share environmental, historical, and cultural links at all levels back through time and the aim of this award is to heighten awareness of those links.